Ex-Rangers boss Russell Martin installed second betting favourite for Championship manager role after sacking
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Wed 6 May 2026 10:03, UK Russell Martin has been linked with the now vacant Watford job, seven months on from the end of his abysmal Rangers tenure.Ed Still was sacked on Sunday, less than three months after he was brought in to replace Javi Gracia. The 35-year-old oversaw 15 games at Vicarage Road and won just three of them, ending the Championship season in 16th after five consecutive defeats.Martin has been out of work since he was sacked from his position at Ibrox in October, after just 17 matches in charge.But the former Rangers manager could now be set to make his return, as he attempts to mend a badly damaged reputation.
Russell Martin in race for Watford jobFootball Insider exclusively revealed in January that Martin was a candidate for Leicester City, before decision-makers ultimately went with Gary Rowett. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES It will take a leap of faith for a club to hire the 40-year-old this summer, after his stint at Ibrox was so dismal.
Anger against him had become so fierce that, by the time he was finally sacked, the Englishman needed a police escort to leave the stadium after each game.Danny Rohl took over from Martin and has also experienced some trouble, but Rangers are a far better team than they were under his predecessor. Watford have been tipped to take the chance with the former Southampton manager, with one major bookmaker backing him as the second favourite at 5/1, while Erol Bulut is the favourite at 2/1.What Martin said on Rangers exitWhen Martin was appointed by Rangers, he was seen as a positive young manager who was intent on producing progressive, entertaining football.It quickly became clear that his style was not working at Ibrox, however, and that stubbornness became a problem.Russell Martin has been sacked as Rangers head coach after four months in charge.Martin’s final game in charge was Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Falkirk, which left Rangers eighth in the Scottish Premiership with just one win from seven matches.More from @JessMCHopkins ⬇️— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) October 5, 2025 View Tweet Speaking in March for the first time since he was sacked, Martin told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I don’t regret anything.